(Natural News)—The release of DeepSeek-R1, a groundbreaking AI reasoning model developed by a Chinese company, has sent shockwaves through the tech world. With its ability to solve complex problems, from calculating freezing times for water tanks to recommending policy solutions, the open-source model has stunned experts and sparked both excitement and concern. Its practical applications, ranging from herbal medicine extraction to energy-efficient infrastructure planning, highlight its potential to revolutionize industries. However, critics warn of the risks of AI dominance in governance and decision-making, as the technology continues to outperform human reasoning in many areas.

A New Era of AI Reasoning

DeepSeek-R1, a 671-billion-parameter model, has been praised for its transparency and open-source nature, allowing developers and researchers worldwide to explore its capabilities. A distilled 14-billion-parameter version of the model has already been tested on consumer-grade hardware, demonstrating its accessibility. In one remarkable demonstration, the AI calculated the time it would take for a 1,000-gallon rainwater tank to freeze under specific weather conditions, breaking down the problem into complex thermal transfer calculations. The model’s ability to reason through such practical, real-world problems has left users in awe.

Beyond math and physics, DeepSeek-R1 has shown its prowess in policy reasoning. When asked how the U.S. could accelerate its AI development programs, the model recommended investing in energy-efficient hardware, supporting decentralized open-source AI initiatives, and implementing strict ethical guidelines. Its suggestions, which included exploring cold fusion for energy needs, were described as “smarter than any U.S. senator” by one user.

Practical Applications and Ethical Concerns

The model’s versatility extends to fields like herbal medicine. In one test, DeepSeek-R1 recommended the optimal solvent mixture for extracting rosmarinic acid from rosemary, a task that would typically require extensive knowledge of chemistry. Its ability to provide step-by-step reasoning for such tasks has made it a valuable tool for researchers, herbalists, and survivalists alike.

However, the rise of such advanced AI systems has raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that the integration of AI into governance and decision-making could lead to a loss of human oversight. Proponents, on the other hand, believe AI could bring fairness and efficiency to systems plagued by corruption and bias. One user even suggested that AI judges could outperform human judges in delivering unbiased rulings.

The Global Race for AI Supremacy

The release of DeepSeek-R1 marks a significant milestone in the global race for AI supremacy. While the U.S. has focused on closed, corporate-controlled AI models, China’s open-source approach has been hailed as a step toward democratizing AI technology. This shift has sparked debates about the future of AI development and its implications for global power dynamics.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on industries, governance, and everyday life will only grow. Whether it’s calculating the freezing time of a water tank or recommending policy solutions, DeepSeek-R1 has demonstrated that the future of AI is not just about raw computational power but also about advanced reasoning and practical problem-solving. The question now is how humanity will navigate the challenges and opportunities this new era of AI presents.

The Democratization of AI

China’s open-source approach with DeepSeek-R1 contrasts sharply with the U.S.’s reliance on corporate-controlled AI models. By making advanced reasoning models accessible to the public, China is fostering innovation and decentralization, potentially reshaping the global AI landscape.

From herbal medicine to energy planning, DeepSeek-R1’s practical applications highlight its potential to transform industries and empower individuals. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, its ability to solve real-world problems will be key to its widespread adoption.

The release of DeepSeek-R1 is more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a glimpse into a future where AI plays a central role in solving humanity’s most pressing challenges. The question is, are we ready for it?

Watch this Jan. 23 episode of “Brighteon Broadcast News” as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how AI reasoning models will change everything.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

• Brighteon.com
• MarkTechPost.com

One of the greatest advantages of sugar is its long shelf life. When stored properly, sugar can last indefinitely, making it an excellent emergency item to store in bulk. For long-term storage, keep sugar in dry, opaque, airtight and moisture/odor-proof containers, such as polyethylene or Mylar bags, food-grade plastic buckets, glass canning jars or #10 cans. (Related: Sugar: Cheap, effective wound treatment with a long shelf life.)

Here are some emergency uses for sugar you may not know of: (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com)

Accessible source of energy

Sugar can provide quick energy when you need it most. A form of carbohydrate, swallowing even a small amount of sugar can give you enough calories (about four calories per gram) to keep you going. In fact, sugar provides the same amount of energy (16 kilojoules, kJ) per gram as other sources of carbs, such as bread, pasta, rice and fruits.

Natural food preservative

When you use sugar in your homemade jams and jellies, it serves a dual purpose: Not only does it add sweetness, but sugar also helps preserve their color, texture and flavor. Sugar works naturally as a preservative by absorbing water from foods; by reducing their moisture content, sugar creates a less suitable environment for food-spoiling microorganisms to grow. (Related: Food preservation techniques: Keep your pantry stocked for any crisis.)

First aid for wounds

Sugar’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth can also come in handy for treating wounds. Since ancient times, healers have been using sweetening agents like honey, molasses and syrups to clean wounds, prevent infections and promote faster healing. Today, granulated sugar is used in clinical settings to deal with various types of wounds. Sugar, when used to fill a wound, dissolves in tissue fluid, lowering water activity in the wound area which prevents the growth of bacteria.

Emergency hydration

Sugar and salt naturally stimulate cells to take up more water. This is very useful in times of illness when rehydration is needed. If you need to replenish lost electrolytes, you can make an emergency rehydration solution at home by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, two tablespoons of sugar and juice from half a lemon or orange with four cups of water. The salt will provide sodium while the citrus fruit will provide potassium. Sugar will encourage water uptake and make the solution more palatable.

Excellent barter item

Because of its versatility, sugar makes a great item for trading and bartering when SHTF. Stock up on this valuable commodity so you’ll have plenty to use to your advantage in survival situations. (Related: Bullets, batteries and more: 13 Bartering items to stock up on while preparing for the financial crash.)

Bait for insect traps

Mosquitoes, flies and many other insects are attracted to sugar, making it an excellent bait for homemade insect traps. To deal with pesky mosquitoes without using chemical sprays, set a simple trap using an empty plastic soda bottle and sugar dissolved in water as bait. You can also use sugar water to entrap pesky flies. Alternatively, you can mix a bit of sugar with petroleum jelly in small containers and place these in areas around your home where bugs are most likely to roam. This is a simple yet effective way of dealing with ants and cockroaches.

Fermentation fuel

Fermentation is one of the oldest food preservation methods known to man. It is also a useful natural process that transforms raw food into different kinds of products. You can make healthy ingredients like yogurt and miso, side dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi, or beverages like kombucha and root beer by fermenting the right combinations of fruits and/or vegetables. All you need is a starter culture and sugar to kick-start the fermentation process.

Natural exfoliant

Sugar is often used to make DIY face and body scrubs. Experts say that sugar is an excellent exfoliator that can “slough off dry skin and help with acne,” and is commonly used together with a humectant for moisturizing and a fragrant essential oil with skin-supporting properties for extra benefits and aromatherapy. For a simple scrub that you can use on your lips, simply mix two tablespoons of superfine granulated sugar with one tablespoon of almond oil and one tablespoon of raw honey. Gently massage this mixture across your lips then rinse. (Related: Skincare hacks: Use homemade sugar scrub for radiant-looking skin.)

Energy source for animals

For preppers who are raising livestock in their backyards, sugar is a great emergency food to give to animals if you run out of feed. Just a small amount is enough to keep your animals’ energy up in times of emergency. Apart from being economically advantageous and being a good binding ingredient for animal feed, research also suggests that adding sugar to the diet of cows helps with their digestion and results in higher quality milk and meat yields.

Fertilizer substitute

If you have flowers or vegetables in your home garden that are suffering from nutrient deficiencies or poor sunlight, you can use table sugar as a fertilizer substitute to aid with plant growth. Sugar helps by acting as a food source for beneficial soil microbes to encourage mineralization of nitrogen and other nutrients. This process makes nutrients more available for plant uptake, thus helping revive withering plants. To apply, mix one part table sugar with four parts lukewarm water and lightly dampen the area around the base of the plants to be treated. Use moderately as too much sugar could harm weak roots.

Sugar is a versatile survival item to have in your prepper pantry. It can last indefinitely when stored properly and can be incredibly useful in times of emergencies. Learn more about other items like sugar that are worth stocking up on at Preparedness.news.

Watch this video to learn about the surprising uses of sugar in the garden. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Reducing daily sugar intake to less than 6 teaspoons found to benefit overall health.

Stockpiling tips: How to store white and brown sugar for the long term.

Natural sweeteners: Healthy alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Natural sugar alternatives: How to grow Aztec sweet herb, stevia and sugar cane.

Exploring the best natural sweeteners to enhance your survival stockpile.

Sources include:

• Extension.USU.edu 1
• FoodStorageMoms.com
• BetterHealth.Vic.au.gov
• Ohioline.OSU.edu
• Ragus.co.uk
• TAndFOnline.com
• ClinicalHerbalism.com
• Extension.USU.edu 2
• BackwoodsHome.com
• HomeTalk.com
• IFST.org
• Healthline.com
• Sugars.com
• Extension.UMN.edu
• HouseDigest.com
• Brighteon.com

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to shield gas-powered appliances from regulatory efforts aimed at phasing them out. This action comes as part of Trump’s broader initiative to counter Democratic-led measures targeting gas appliances in homes and businesses, which have been framed as necessary for environmental and health reasons.

The proposed executive order reflects a growing cultural and political divide over energy use in America. On one side, environmental advocates argue that transitioning to electric appliances is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. On the other, conservatives and industry leaders view these efforts as government overreach, threatening the affordability and reliability of energy for millions of Americans.

Gas-powered stoves, long favored by chefs and home cooks for their high-heat efficiency, have become a flashpoint in this debate. Critics of gas appliances point to studies suggesting a link between their use and respiratory conditions like asthma, particularly in children. In 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced it was reviewing these potential health risks, though any resulting regulations would take years to implement. (Related: Climate change fanatics still trying to ban gas stoves – they’re just doing it quietly now.)

However, industry leaders and Republican lawmakers argue that these concerns are overblown and that the push to phase out gas appliances is part of a broader agenda to restrict energy choices.

Karen Harbert, president of the American Gas Association, criticized the regulatory efforts, stating that it is alarming when an executive order is needed to prevent the government from banning natural gas furnaces and water heaters. She emphasized the importance of keeping energy affordable and reliable, especially during extreme weather conditions. […]

— Read More: www.naturalnews.com

Here are some of the worst examples that highlight the crisis in legacy media:

1. Misleading narratives about Biden’s cognitive lapses

During the G-7 summit in 2024, President Joe Biden wandered off while a group photo was being taken, an incident that should have raised alarms about his mental acuity. However, leading media figures chose to dismiss these concerns rather than investigate them responsibly. CNN’s Brian Stelter defended the President, calling the videos of his erratic behavior “cheap fakes” designed to manipulate public opinion. The Washington Post echoed this sentiment, labeling these videos as “deceptively edited” and a “staple of Republican attacks.”

As Biden’s cognitive issues became increasingly apparent during the presidential debates, the façade crumbled. The public, armed with undeniable evidence, saw through the disingenuous arguments. Biden’s mental decline was no longer a contentious point, and the media’s attempts to minimize it were seen as transparent attempts to protect a favored political figure.

2. Dismissal of Kamala Harris’s policy flip-flops

Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for vice president in 2024, underwent a series of drastic policy changes during her campaign to align with the party platform. These included her flip-flops on fracking, offshore drilling, and support for taxpayer-funded transgender procedures for incarcerated migrants. Despite her history of opposing these policies, the media downplayed these inconsistencies, arguing that they were secondary to the overarching goal of defeating President Trump. […]

— Read More: www.naturalnews.com

This sudden about-face has been criticized by LGBT activists and being lauded by conservative groups who are urging more Democrats to fight against the encroachment of transgenderism in society.

One of the most prominent Democrats to come out in opposition to transgenderism is U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who said in an interview with the New York Times that Democrats are moving too far left.

“The Democrats have to stop pandering to the far left,” Suozzi said. “I don’t want to discriminate against anybody, but I don’t think biological boys should be playing in girls’ sports.” (Related: Democratic Sen. Bob Casey claims to oppose the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, but his record says otherwise.)

Suozzi, who has served for four non-consecutive terms as the representative of New York’s third congressional district, mentioned in an interview with The Hill that he previously supported the Equality Act, a radical bill that, had it been made into law, would have permitted men to enter women’s locker rooms and would erase all differences between the two biological sexes in federal law. […]

— Read More: www.naturalnews.com

Unlike offhanded observances such as Earth Day, on which life goes on as usual, Election Day ought to be an official federal holiday like Presidents’ Day or Thanksgiving, with all non-essential workers receiving a paid day off to carry out their civic duty. Establishing this yearly event as a federal holiday would increase voter turnout, restore faith in our elections, and, most importantly, boost morale through a shared civic display.

Designating Election Day as a national holiday and giving workers the day off would largely mitigate the need for accommodations like mail-in voting and early voting, allowing policymakers to require in-person voting except in special circumstances. This would also make possible a mass return to paper ballots, eliminating the need for voting machines which have been swamped in scandal since 2020.

Some say mail-in voting is ripe for manipulation; others contend voting machines are prone to hacks and glitches. While it’s difficult to quantify how much voting machines or absentee ballots have increased the risk of election-rigging, if at all, it’s clear that a significant number of Americans have lost faith in our elections – just as they’ve lost faith in our media, our government, and their friends and neighbors.

In a world where most Americans have the day off work and vote in person, on a paper ballot, many common doubts about our election system become moot. Of course, exceptions will apply for essential workers or citizens temporarily living in a different state, but the vast majority of Americans would have to physically go to a polling place on Election Day and vote. Volunteers would then count the paper ballots onsite, significantly reducing doubts about voting machine integrity or ballots lost in the mail. […]

— Read More: www.naturalnews.com